Decator earned his undergraduate degree in business administration from the University of Florida in 1975, graduating with high honors. Following graduation, he co-founded a construction company, which he operated with his brother for seven years. In 1985, he graduated with honors from the University of Florida School of Law, where he was inducted into The Order of the Coif for academic excellence.
In 1994, Jay joined The Viera Company as a real estate attorney and was subsequently promoted to Division Vice President and Division Counsel in 2000. He earned his promotion based on his exemplary work as legal counsel and for his guidance and oversight of many specific projects for the company, including the management of DRI entitlements, establishment of the Viera
Stewardship District, complex real estate transactions and community governance.
Prior to joining The Viera Company, Jay practiced real estate law in Orlando and Daytona Beach. He and his wife, Renee, have two adult sons.